You got yourself a good espresso coffee machine, and you are excited to start brewing cafe-quality coffee at home. But wait—before you dive in, let us make sure you are not making the common mistakes that can ruin your espresso.
A great espresso shot is all about precision, and even small errors in grinding, tamping, or milk frothing can lead to a bitter, weak, or burnt-tasting coffee. But do not worry! In this guide, we will walk you through the most common mistakes people make when using an espresso coffee machine at home and how to avoid them.
1. Using Stale or Pre-Ground Coffee
The Mistake:
Many beginners buy pre-ground coffee or use old coffee beans that have lost their freshness. Stale coffee results in a flat, lifeless espresso with no crema.
The Fix:
Always use freshly roasted whole beans and grind them just before brewing. Investing in a burr grinder ensures a consistent grind size, which is crucial for espresso.
Pro Tip: Check the roast date when buying beans. Coffee is at its best within a month of roasting.
2. Using the Wrong Grind Size
The Mistake:
Espresso requires a fine grind, but many beginners either grind too coarse (leading to weak coffee) or too fine (causing over-extraction and bitterness).
The Fix:
For an espresso coffee machine, use a grind that feels like fine table salt. If your espresso is watery and sour, your grind is too coarse. If it’s slow and bitter, your grind is too fine.
Pro Tip: Adjust your grind size slightly until you get a 25-30-second extraction time for the perfect shot.
3. Not Tamping Properly
The Mistake:
Tamping too lightly leads to under-extraction (weak espresso) while tamping too hard can cause over-extraction (bitter espresso). Uneven tamping also results in an inconsistent brew.
The Fix:
Use a firm, even pressure when tamping—about 30 pounds of force. The coffee should be packed tightly but not overly compressed.
Pro Tip: Invest in a quality tamper to ensure consistency every time you brew.
4. Not Preheating Your Espresso Machine
The Mistake:
If you start brewing before the espresso coffee machine is fully heated, your coffee will be lukewarm and under-extracted.
The Fix:
Turn on your espresso makers for home 5-10 minutes before brewing. Run a shot of hot water through the group head and portafilter to warm everything up.
Pro Tip: Preheating ensures even extraction and better flavour in your espresso shot.
5. Incorrect Espresso-to-Water Ratio
The Mistake:
Many people pull shots that are too short (under-extracted) or too long (over-extracted), ruining the balance of the coffee.
The Fix:
The ideal espresso shot follows the 1:2 ratio:
- 18g of ground coffee → 36g of brewed espresso
- Extraction time: 25-30 seconds
Pro Tip: If your shot pulls too fast or too slow, adjust the grind size accordingly.
6. Ignoring Milk Steaming Techniques
The Mistake:
Frothing milk incorrectly can result in big, airy bubbles (bad for lattes) or flat, lifeless milk (bad for cappuccinos).
The Fix:
For perfectly steamed milk:
- Use cold, fresh milk (whole milk creates the best texture).
- Submerge the steam wand just below the surface.
- Create microfoam by moving the pitcher in slow circles.
- Stop steaming at 60-65°C for the best taste.
Pro Tip: Purge the steam wand before and after each use to prevent milk buildup.
7. Not Cleaning the Espresso Machine Regularly
The Mistake:
A dirty espresso coffee machine at home can lead to bitter-tasting coffee, clogged filters, and machine damage.
The Fix:
- Wipe the portafilter & group head after every use.
- Clean the steam wand immediately after frothing.
- Descale the machine once a month to remove mineral buildup.
Pro Tip: A clean machine equals better-tasting coffee and a longer-lasting espresso maker.
8. Choosing the Wrong Espresso Machine
The Mistake:
Buying a cheap, low-quality espresso machine can result in poor extraction, low pressure, and a lack of milk-frothing capabilities.
The Fix:
Choose a high-quality espresso coffee machine like the Budan Espresso Machine, which offers:
- 15-bar pressure for perfect espresso extraction
- Built-in steam wand for creamy milk frothing
- Sleek & compact design for home use
Pro Tip: Check the espresso machine's price and features before buying to ensure it meets your needs.
9. Using Tap Water Instead of Filtered Water
The Mistake:
Hard water causes limescale buildup, affecting the espresso machine’s performance and the taste of the coffee.
The Fix:
Always use filtered or bottled water to protect your machine and maintain pure coffee flavour.
Pro Tip: If you use tap water, descale your machine more frequently to prevent damage.
A Bonus Tip: Experiment With Your Espresso Coffee Machine
In addition to the above mistakes, home brewers (beginners as well as seasoned baristas) tend to make another mistake regularly. It is NOT experimenting enough.
Many home baristas stick to the same grind size, tamping pressure, or extraction time without experimenting. This limits your ability to truly perfect your espresso and customize it to your taste.
The Fix:
Espresso brewing is an art and a science. Small tweaks to grind size, dose, water temperature, and extraction time can dramatically change the flavor of your coffee.
Here’s what to experiment with:
- Grind Size: Try a slightly finer or coarser grind and note the taste difference.
- Tamping Pressure: A slightly firmer or gentler tamp can alter extraction time.
- Water Temperature: The standard range is 90-96°C. Lower for fruity notes, higher for bold flavors.
- Shot Timing: A traditional espresso pulls in 25-30 seconds, but try adjusting it by 2-3 seconds.
Pro Tip: Keep a coffee journal to track adjustments and find your perfect brew.
Final Thoughts: Avoid These Mistakes & Brew Like a Pro!
Using an espresso coffee machine at home can elevate your coffee experience—but only if you use it correctly. Avoiding these 9 common mistakes will help you make the perfect espresso shot every time.
If you are looking for the best espresso makers for home, the Budan Espresso Machine is an excellent choice. It is easy to use, beginner-friendly, and delivers barista-quality espresso without the hassle.
So, are you ready to brew better coffee at home? Start your barista journey today!
